Ask Boston’s Next Mayor is a series featuring answers from Boston’s mayoral candidates to five questions sourced from the city’s startup and innovation community in partnership with the New England Venture Capital Association, and curated by local business and innovation leaders. 

We’ll be posting a response from a different candidate daily as we approach the primaries on September 24th. Ask additional questions and leave comments below, and on Twitter with #askbostonsnextmayor.

Q: As the home of one of the world’s top innovation clusters, Boston is disproportionately impacted by national policy issues such as immigration, creating access to new types of risk capital, and patent law reform. Mayors of the great U.S. cities have always played an important role on the national stage, advocating for the interests of their constituents. How do you see yourself advocating for Boston’s innovation constituency?

A: I shall promote Boston as the city with the best emphasis on education. Education fuels innovation and provides the best workforce.

Q: According to the U.S. Census/Kauffman study, startups generate nearly all net new jobs. What would you do to make Boston more attractive to entrepreneurs who can take their pick of great cities throughout the world?

A: I shall oversee the improvement of our school district as a means of providing motivated employees who know that work provides security for their families.

Q: Attracted by the concentration of talent and amenities in the Innovation District, Boston’s high tech companies and startups are moving into the city in increasing numbers. What is your attitude towards recreating Innovation Districts throughout the city, and how would you ensure public access to any new clusters that might be located farther from the city center?

A: The transportation system shall be expanded and some 24-hour service shall be available to assist growth in innovation.

Q: Many people feel that Boston needs to elevate its reputation as one of the great cities of the world. Do you agree? If so, how would you set about making this happen? Would you consider hiring a Chief Marketing Officer?

A: Ideally the mayor would be that officer. The mayor should be able to meet with new businesses at any time and be able to relate each advantage for locating in Boston.

Q: What can Boston do to ensure that its college students decide to stay here after graduation and contribute their considerable talents and energy to our ecosystem?

A: When many more businesses locate in Boston the tax burden shall be reduced substantially for all concerned.

Check out the full series and responses from other mayoral candidates here.